RCB CARES launches with Rs 25 lakh aid to 11 families

Nearly three months after a deadly crush outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru announced on Saturday that it will provide Rs 25 lakh to the families of the 11 people who died during the team’s post‑title celebrations on June 4 and launched "RCB CARES," a long‑term programme aimed at fan support and crowd‑safety reforms. The franchise also released statements from senior players and outlined a six‑point plan to prevent future tragedies.

The stampede occurred a day after RCB won its maiden Indian Premier League title, when an estimated 250,000 fans converged around the stadium to see the team. The crush left 11 dead and dozens injured; several reports put the number of injured at 56. RCB said the increased compensation follows an earlier promise of Rs 10 lakh to each bereaved family and described the Rs 25 lakh grant as a first step in broader support that will include emotional assistance.

In a social media post introducing RCB CARES, the franchise said it had remained silent since the incident "out of mourning, memory and sensitivity" and that the initiative was born of a need "to stand with, honour and support our fans." The six‑point manifesto pledges...